Dog Fighting?!?!

[Beausolei]

Becky A if you have the kind of info you spoke of in this case I can definitely understand the concern being greater. As far as your employer I would have to think that they ofcourse don't want you making mountians out of mole hills on everything you hear, but, that you would be encouraged to keep your ears open for any warning signs. If you do have the type of employer that would look down on you for taking an interest in something like this, there are other jobs.

As far as ruining peoples lives over a 4 year olds comments, What should be done just ignore everything you hear? It must be BS because a child said it. What if its not? Also yes there are cases of child abuse being falsely reported by kids seeking attention, and I'm sure some are coached by pissed off spouses looking to be overly cruel during a break up. On that you are absolutely right Sullivan. I have heard of such things going on, and even know of a case where after the guy spent close to two years in jail waiting on trial, the kids came out and said they were coached. This sitation is a little different though:

A. This is not an allegation of child abuse, or at least its not viwed that way by the massess unfortunately. Abuse of animals is actually a subject many would blow off, and have a so what attitude towards, or say thats a shame, and forget it as quick as they heard about it.

B. Just completely ignore anything this kid says purely because of age. No way. Kids do make up stories for attention, but as you said about there inability to distinguish on certain things at 4, they also have not become accomplished liars yet either, and nobodys coaching anybody here.

C. Also yes people do hear what they want, but in this case where Becky A has experience with many kids, and many stories, I would think she may be a little better at spotting attention seekers, and genuine incidents than many of us. Myself I worked as a mechanic for several years, and as I surely don't know it all, I do know a lot more than the guy who changes his own oil.

D. Also how can you say that its impossible for someone to ask objective questions? Its not like Becky A has an alterior motive or anything to gain out of this. Nobodys on a witch hunt here. I'm sure the desired result would be to find out that the kid is exagerating just some dogs playing, and its just a ninja story.

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

Tough situation. I agree children at that age are often unable to distinguish between truth and fantasy. But since the comment was unprompted, it might merit more concern. Many of those cases involving false claims of sexual abuse were the result of ideas actively being planted in the child's mind by over-bearing interrogators. At the very least, I think I would try to casually ask the child more questions that might give you more information so you can determine whether or not there is any truth to the statement. But you would have to do it in a way that wouldn't cause the child to give you the answer he thinks you want to hear. Maybe it will go nowhere and was nothing. Maybe not.

 

[ulbsterx]

Becky,
I have already posted, but just wanted to give you more support. Don't worry, you will know the "right" thing to do esp. since you were a social worker and have actual experience both in real life and thru your education.

A few others,
In regards to speaking w/ the child, it didn't sound like Becky was planning to put the spotlight on him/her and scream until they responded w/ the answer she "wanted" to hear. Anyone who has training and/or a degree in Social Work, Sociology and/or Psychology, has likely been educated as to how to speak w/ someone and get more info WITHOUT leading them in a certain direction.

Although none of us would know if it's related, as I mentioned in my first post, one of the largest dog fighters was just convicted in SC. So rationally, this is an issue that appears to be well handled and researched in that area especially since the article stated that the DA has a special task force specifically to investigate these types of situations. Thus, if Becky does choose (based on what SHE experiences in this situation) to inform someone in some way, I am sure that official (trained) person will know how to properly handle the situation w/out upsetting santa claus.

Interesting enough in my old area a few years ago, I knew people who were worried that a dog was being abused. They decided to wait and "not bother" anyone because it was the day b4 Thanksgiving. A week later, the dog was beaten to death. Not saying in ANY WAY that this relates to Becky's situation, just something to think about.

Lastly, there were so many great posts in support of Becky. I have confidence that she will know what to do. Remember, violence DOES NOT STOP just because the calender shows that we have a holiday coming up. Best wishes to Becky and the child involved. I hope that it does really turn out to be nothing.

 

[sherri0121]

Felony offense in SC?!

If I'm not mistaking, dog fighting in SC is considered a felony offense. I would definately have the police go out and investigate. This is absolutely horrible. I certainly hope it's not true, but just in case it is the person(s) definately need to be held resposible!

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

Becky , God bless you for trying and putting some thought into your actions. I mean no offense with my response. In my humble opinion, the only incorrect action is NO ACTION!

I have unfortunately been on the other side of a child who told me she MIGHT be pregnant (I was taking dental x-rays). I did not know what to do, this child was only 13 yrs old and here she is begging me not to say anything to her parents. Turns out her parents were court appointed guardians and she had some serious behavior problems and did not have any chance of being pregnant (she was not menstruating at all and was physically lagging behing in development due to malnourishment, and meds she was taking to control her moods). I talked with our doctor and he talked with the guardians who got very loud and stated that not every foster child is sexually active, or on drugs, etc. I had no idea about the meds she was on as they did not completely fill out the health history to reflect what meds she was on and they stated the list is so long and time consuming to write it all down. End of story, the parents left we never saw them again, but the child was removed from that foster home and we never heard anything after that as child protective services would only let us know she was "safe".

I am sure whatever you do will be appropriate, just please understand that the great thing about this board is that you will hear all kinds opinions some you like and some you don not. Bear with them and use them to your advantage. I am thinking of you and will support any decision you make, some kind of action has to be better than nothing.

Good Luck, Dora

 

[Daisys_rjm]

Put it this way....if a 4yr old child told you that he was being beaten at home...or his mother was being beaten..or he was being "touched" by someone in the home...would you not call for a full investigation? Obviously his word would be taken seriously and authorities would be called! So why should it be any different when it's the family pet that is being abused?? ...

Of course you have to absolutely look into this!
Although, like Sullivanpops said, it may be the misunderstanding and imagination of a 4 year old child so be carefull and thoughtful. However, this still deserves a good hard look before dismissing it at any time of year.

Shannonmac had some great ideas in her posting...
please let us know what happens.

 

[Sirus'Mommy]

I personally think this line of thinking is pretty weak and it's a serious flaw in our society today. Let's take something a 4 year old said, possibly out of context or having an understanding, and call the authorities.

Not only that...but he said that his dad said that it was "FUN!" The way I take that is that the father enjoys watching his dogs fight.
He could mean that the dogs are just playing and use that in terms of "FUN!", but none-the-less! I've always believed in listening to what children say!

 

[Stacy W.]

I don't think that what Sullivanspop is saying is to not listen to the child. What I think he is advising is for her to no over react right away. Stop and think. Don't call the authorities this second, first look at the facts. I think the idea of talking to the parent casually about your dog and getting a feel for the situation is a great idea. I work for child protection and do take what children say very seriously, but at the same time, you need to look at everything before you go an jump to conclusions. It may be that this person is fighting his dogs, in that case it needs to be reported. However, it may also be that the dogs were playing, etc... You just don't know. But I think that if you talk to the parent as well as the kid (without letting the parent know what this child said), you can probably get a better feel of which one it is. If, after you have casually asked the parent about their dogs, you still have the feeling that they may be fighting the dogs, then call and make the report. Let the authorities know exactly what was said and who it was said by, then let them decide how to handle it. Once you have made the report, please trust in the authorities to handle it, don't ask the child or parent about the issue (as I am sure you already know). Of course, before you do anything, you should probably let your supervisor know what is going on.

 

[Elyse]

I would not hesitate to call animal control. The worst thing that could
happen is that you could be wrong and there was miscommunication.

Think of the alternative... What if there is really a problem there and
you did not call. It these people truly love their dogs, they will understand
if there was a miscommunicaiton.

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

Just wondering if you've found out anything new!